Throughout the year, the Arts and Cultural Committee - co-chaired by Executive President Zhu Xiaoming and Dean John Quelch - will host lectures related to the arts. Through these events, CEIBS MBA and EMBA students, and the wider CEIBS community, will have the opportunity to cultivate their understanding of the arts, culture, and related businesses.
In tonight's opening speech, Executive President Zhu noted that many people know Yue Sai Kan for her polished appearance, her charming smile and her elegant posture, but he pointed out that in addition to being an icon of fashion and beauty she is also an eminent entrepreneur. A video was shown which documented Ms. Kan’s multitude of achievements in business, philanthropy, culture and media, and Ms. Kan commented that she had almost forgotten how much she had accomplished in the past. Ms. Kan became a household name in both China and the USA after she presented educational and cultural television programmes in both countries. Her popular line of makeup tailored to Asian skin has brought Chinese fashion into the mainstream, and she has also authored many books on cultural matters.
In her lecture, Ms. Kan explained that the Miss Universe competition is the largest and most watched beauty pageant in the world. About 90 countries participate each year, and the televised programme draws in 1 billion viewers in 190 countries. She told the audience that in the past, the Chinese contestants did not do very well in Miss Universe, and she became involved in the pageant because she was determined to turn China into a strong competitor.
During her presentation, Ms. Kan also shared details about the Miss Universe business model. Income is generated from regional auditions and from sponsorships. She explained that Miss Universe also acts as an agent for the finalists, putting them in films and advertisements. Media partners have been crucial to the growth of Miss Universe, and maintaining a presence on social media has also helped to grow the brand. Ms. Kan mentioned that Touch Media in Chinese taxis has become a particularly powerful advertising tool.
Rosaline Luo, Miss Universe China, then came to the stage to share her experiences of participating in Miss Universe. She explained that the intensive training programme that she underwent as a finalist has given her great confidence, and that public speaking now comes naturally to her.
The Miss Universe Organisation supports many charities, such as the China Beauty Fund and Operation Smile, and during tonight's event Ms. Kan stressed that she believes beauty should be used to help those in need. Her presentation was followed by questions from the audience.
In closing, Dean Quelch asked Ms. Kan whether she had faced any difficulties or challenges and how she had survived them. Ms. Kan responded that money had never been a problem—people are very willing to invest in a good business proposal, she said. For her, human resources have often been challenging, and this is an area that needs more support. She is optimistic about developing her brand in China though. As she commented: in China, there are no shortage of business opportunities.
February 15, 2012. Shanghai Campus
The original story is published here 'CEIBS Hosts Yue Sai Kan for 'Miss Universe: Purpose and Profit' on the CEIBS website where you can view additional pictures from the event!
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